LAUNCH DISASTER IN COOK STRAIT

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 79, 12 January 1944, Page 4

LAUNCH DISASTER IN COOK STRAIT

BAD LEAK CAUSES RAPID SINKING

THREE MEN BECOME EXHAUSTED FOURTH RESCUED BY MATANGI AFTER SEVEN HOURS Three men, all of Wellington, are believed to have been drowned when the pleasure launch Warrigal, hound from Tory Channel to Wellington, sprank a leak in the Terawhili Rip and sank. One survivor was picked up by the ferry steamer Matangi after he had been over seven hours in the water clinging to a partially submerged dinghy. Those missing are : Mr W. Nesbit, married man. of Lower Hutt. director of Vocational training for disabled soldiers. Mr E. W. R. Haldane, solicitor. Lower Hutt, married, with Mr R. I. M. Sutherland, aged 38. solicitor, Wellington, married. with two daughters. The rescued man is Mr Tasman G. Taylor, aged 39, solicitor, married with two children, of 32 Belvedere road, Hataitai, Wellington. The launch left Tory Channel yesterday morning and soon struck heavy seas. The boat sprang a leak and sank quickly at 2.45 o'clock in the afternoon. Mr Haldane was last seen clinging to a lifebelt. The other three clung desperately to the dinghy, which was awash, but after about an hour Mr Nesbit disappeared and about an hour later. Mr Sutherland, who was apparently suffering badly from the cold, was carried away by a huge wave. Mr Taylor maintained his grip on the dinghy until at about 10 o'clock at night he saw the lights of a passing steamer. It was very dark, but with the assistance of a wind which was blowing towards the steamer Matangi. on its way to Nelson, he managed to make his voice heard. He was thrown a line and with the assistance of two men from the Matangi was pulled aboard, given treatment and brought to Nelson. Mr Taylor was taken to the Public Hospital in the ambulance for treatment. but he was stated to be in good condition to-day and was expected to be able to return to Wellington tonight The lower part of his body is badly bruised, but he has not suffered seriously from his exposure.